There would be few better ways to get a bunch of forklift drivers focused on workplace health and safety than to run a grand final in their honour.
Yesterday, the Brisbane Markets did just that. 10 finalists competed in the annual Forklift Grand Final which required competitors to negotiate a challenging practical course designed to test their forklift operating skills in a controlled environment.
Forklift operator, Jason Thompson, ultimately took the crown – named the 2016 Brisbane Markets Forklift Operator of the Year.
The competition is an initiative of the Brisbane Markets and is held in association with Toyota Material Handling and CHEP to recognise the positive contributions to safety that forklift operators make in their daily activities.
Mr Thompson, who works for Market wholesaler GNL Produce, said he was excited to be a part of the event after watching the 2015 grand final.
“It’s an excellent way to promote safety,” said Mr Thompson.
“Even though some of the guys will stitch you up about it, they know it’s about doing the right thing.”
A forklift operator of 14 years, Mr Thompson said he had developed his skills while working at the Brisbane Markets which, with more than 400 registered, has the highest concentration of forklifts of any workplace in Queensland.
Mr Thompson was joined on the winner’s podium by second place recipient, Peter Cullen, also of GNL Produce and third place recipient Justin Brady, who is a forklift driver with wholesaler Keith Lind Pty Ltd.
Over the past four weeks, Work Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors have worked with Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) safety officials to observe and score the nominated forklift operators during busy mornings of trade to arrive at the 10 finalists.
Brismark Director, Stephen Edwards who is a member of the Brisbane Markets Safety Advisory Committee and Managing Director of Murray Bros presented the winners trophies.
“An event like this can do a great deal to highlight forklift safety and driver responsibility in the Markets,” said Mr Edwards.
“A lot of the forklift drivers on site do a really great job and it’s important that their efforts are recognised.”
“Nobody likes to be hit with a big stick all the time and I am a big fan of shining a spotlight on all of the operators who do the right thing and setting them as the example for others to follow.
“It’s not always an easy job and a lot of these operators show a great deal of care and ability to complete their job safely, efficiently and without damaging the produce,” he said.
The event is an annual reminder for the 4,000 people who do business daily at the Brisbane Markets site to keep safety top of mind and to raise the benchmark on forklift safety through friendly competition.
